Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Don't click away! It's still me, Amanda...I just have a new look here at the blog! Same crafty homey foodey funny posts; it was just time for an update. Want to take a little tour with me? There just might even be a little Blog Button Giveaway involved! If you're viewing this in a reader or email, I hope you'll click over to see.

I liked my old banner, but trends change in blog design the same way they do in our homes. It was time to update things around here and keep up with the times. It's been two years since I've changed anything major with the blog! The talented, patient, and fabulous Lauren from Designer Blogs agreed to partner with me on my redesign. She put up with all of my questions, suggestions, and indecision with such a sweet spirit. I had a general idea of the look I wanted, but Lauren is the one whose effort and creativity made it all come together. My awesome new blog button is courtesy of Kim from Seven Thirty Three...not only does she work super quickly, she puts things together so nicely. It's like she knows what I want without having to ask me!

Color Scheme:

I love my color scheme and I get a lot of positive comments about it, so I knew I wanted to keep my background and the fun pink and yellow accents. So, that stayed!

Tagline:

You'll notice that I have a new tagline: Creative Solutions for Staying Sane. When I started up this blog, it was primarily a spot for me to share funny stories about my kids and being a stay-at-home mom. Over time, it has evolved into more of a creative spot. I still share personal stories, but it's really not a "mommy" blog anymore. "A Mommy's Solution to Staying Sane" fit when I started out, but with more creative posts than mom stories, it was time for the tagline to reflect that!

Navigation Bar:

I wanted to keep the same friendly feel to Serenity Now, but add in some new user-friendly (and sponsor friendly!) features. I had Lauren rework my navigation bar under the blog banner, and I'm really excited about it.

What will you find in my new navigation bar?
-A new and updated About Me page with examples of the types of posts you'll find here.

-A Serenity NowProject Gallery! I spent hours and hours going through all of my old links, organizing them into categories with thumbnails to make them easier to browse. It's not perfect, but it's a start!

- A Blogging Resources Library. I realllllly hope you all will head over there to browse, because I've been rounding up good blogging tips and tricks for ages with plans of sharing them here. You'll find everything from photography to SEO to design to scheduling.

-Advertising Information. I'll be updating this page as I work with brands and shops, but the basics are there if you're interested in partnering with me. I'd love to welcome some new sponsors!

So, that about does it! I am really thrilled with the new look, and I hope you like it too. I had you guys in mind as I worked on the Project Gallery and Blogging Resources page.

To celebrate my new look, Designer Blogs is giving away 1 Free Custom Blog Button with Share Code to a lucky reader! Use it for your blog, a blog party, series, anything you like.

Here's how you can enter:
Please leave a separate comment for each entry.*

1. (mandatory to enter)Leave me a comment letting me know what you like best about the new design or gallery pages.-For Extra Entries-
2. Visit the Designer Blogs Portfolio and leave me a comment with the name of your favorite design.
3. Follow Serenity Now via GFC (Google Friend Connect- so I can see your cutie face on my sidebar!)
4. Facebook this Giveaway with a link to this post.
5. Tweet the Following: Serenity Now has a new look & you can WIN a Blog Button from @designerblogs to celebrate! http://bit.ly/ypjlet @SerenityNowGirl

*Giveaway open until Thursday night at 10 pm ET. Odds of winning depend on the amount of entries received. Giveaway open to U.S. residents only, please.

Thank you so much for stopping by to check out my new look! If you decide to place an order with Designer Blogs, please let them know I referred you!

46 comments:

I love your new banner header with the new logo and tag line. It looks so crisp and clean. I am glad you kept with your color scheme... it really is one of my favorites. It is so cheerful. I hope my blog conveys that to my readers... of course I still have a lot of work to do.

Your blog looks awesome! I checked out your project gallery- it's very easy to navigate. And I especially like your 'about me' page. I love that your blog is 'real'. Congrats on the new look. :) Samantha

AMANDA! It looks smashing! I like the way you updated it without totally re-doing everything. Your navigation bar is wonderful--you're so smart to do that!

Upon your recommendation, I've used Designer Blogs to design buttons for my blog, and I can say that they do wonderful work! AND they're always so quick and super-nice to work with. So I would love to win a button from them--I can think of one I'd like to have right now! :)

Love the new blog makeover. especially the header and how everything is well organized into the "blogging resources" tab! I've used Designer Blog for my blog makeover last year and loved to work with them!

I just now stumbled upon your blog--and glad I did! =) So, even though I am not familiar with what the "before" was I'm definitely loving the cheerful bright colors of the after! Looks great overall! =)

This is Me

I'm a stay-at-home mom of three kids, a fluffy Pomeranian, and a rambunctious German Shepherd puppy. Happily married to T. We live in Virginia, but I secretly dream of what it would be like to have a place in NYC to escape to for random girls' shopping weekends. Target is my home away from home. I stay sane by doing creative projects around my home and taking lots of pictures. Stick around for realistic inspiration...on a budget!

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